Ilagan, Philippines
Region: Ilagan is located in the province of Isabela
Geographic Coordinates: 17.148900, 121.889000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Population: 158218
Language: Tagalog
Ilagan is a first-class city in Isabela, Philippines. It serves as the capital of the province and is known for its abundant corn production, Earning it the nickname Corn Capital of the Philippines. The city has a population of over 145, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 1, 166 square kilometers. One of Ilagan’s top attractions is the Ilagan Sanctuary. This nature reserve spans over 10 hectares and offers several walking trails that take visitors through lush forests, Scenic rivers, And serene waterfalls.
The sanctuary also provides habitat for various species of birds and butterflies making it an ideal spot for bird watching enthusiasts. Magat Dam is another popular destination in Ilagan. This impressive structure stands at around 50 meters high and spans over seven kilometers long across Magat River. It serves as both a hydroelectric power plant and irrigation system providing water to nearby farms. For history buffs, There are several historical sites within Ilagan worth visiting such as St Ferdinand Cathedral which was built during Spanish colonial times in 1686.
Another notable site is Fort Victoria which was constructed by Spanish forces in the early 1600s to protect against foreign invaders. Ilagan celebrates various festivals throughout the year including its annual Corn Festival held every May where locals showcase their agricultural products such as corn-based delicacies like binallay (sticky rice cake) or tupig (grilled glutinous rice cakes). Aside from these attractions, Ilagan offers various recreational activities like kayaking along Cagayan river or hiking up Mount Naguilian for stunning views overlooking Isabela province.
Overall, Whether you’re looking to explore nature reserves or delve into Philippine history while enjoying delicious local cuisine at one of its many restaurants – this vibrant city has something for everyone!
- Ilagan Sanctuary
- St. Ferdinand Cathedral
- Ilagan Japanese Tunnel
- Fuyot Springs National Park
- Calvario Hills Natural Park
- Sta. Victoria Caves and Waterfalls
- Saint Michael Archangel Parish Church
- Ilagan City Public Market
- Maligaya Swimming Pool and Resort
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Fishing
- Manufacturing
- Corn production
- Rice production
- Sugarcane production
- Banana production
- Timber industry
- Sawmills
- Furniture production
- Mining and quarrying
- Limestone deposits
- Marble deposits
- Tourism
- Resorts
- Ilagan Sanctuary Wildlife Rescue Center
- Fuyot Springs National Park
- Ilagan Revolt – In 1660, the natives of Ilagan, led by Pedro Almasan, revolted against the Spanish colonizers.
- Governor Jose Maria Carag – He was a notable governor of Isabela province, where Ilagan is located. He served as governor from 1923 to 1931 and was responsible for several infrastructure projects in the province.
- Saint Ferdinand Parish Church – This church was built in the early 1800s and is one of the most notable landmarks in Ilagan. It is known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
- General Paulino Santos – He was a Filipino general who played a significant role in World War II. He was born in Ilagan and later became the first governor of South Cotabato province.
- Isabela State University – This university, located in Ilagan, is one of the largest state universities in Northern Luzon. It has produced many notable alumni who have contributed to various fields such as politics, education, and business.
- Independence Day Celebration – Every year on June 12th Independence Day celebrations are held throughout Philippines including at City Hall Grounds where flag raising ceremonies are held.
- Tuguegarao Airport – The airport serves both domestic and international flights with major airlines like Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific (CEB), AirAsia Zest (Z2) operating out of it regularly.
- Ilagan Sanctuary of Grace
- Ilagan Japanese Tunnel
- Saint Ferdinand Cathedral
- Isabela Museum and Library
- Magat Dam View Deck and Eco-Park
- Bonsai Forest at Fuyot Springs National Park
- Tumauini Church
- Quirino Bridge II
- Cagayan River Cruise
- Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat
- City Fiesta is a week-long celebration held every May in honor of the city’s patron saint, St. Ferdinand III.
- Kasadya Street Dancing Festival is a colorful and lively street dancing competition held every June.
- Ilagan Agricultural Fair is an annual event showcasing the city’s agricultural products, usually held in July.
- Kakanin Festival celebrates traditional Filipino rice cakes and delicacies and is usually held in August.
- Paskuhan sa Ilagan is a Christmas celebration featuring parades, caroling, and other festive activities throughout December.
- Bambanti Festival is an annual festival celebrating the scarecrow (bambanti) as a symbol of protection for crops and farmers, usually held in January.
- Ibon-Ebon Festival celebrates the abundance of birds and eggs in Ilagan’s ecosystem with bird- and egg-themed festivities typically held in February or March.
- Binallay Festival showcases local food delicacies such as binallay (rice cake wrapped with banana leaves), kakanin (rice cakes), tupig (grilled sticky rice cake), among others, during its yearly festivity celebrated from May 30 to June 2.
Note: Due to COVID-19 pandemic some events may be cancelled or postponed until further notice.
- Pancit Cabagan – a stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables, meat, and egg.
- Dinakdakan – a dish made of boiled and grilled pig’s head and liver mixed with onions, vinegar, and chili peppers.
- Pinakbet – a vegetable stew made with bitter melon, eggplant, okra, squash, tomatoes, and shrimp paste.
- Inabraw – a sour soup made with fish or meat and various vegetables such as taro leaves and green papaya.
Some popular restaurants in Ilagan that serve these dishes include:
- Cabagan Panciteria & Restaurant.
- Balay ni Tatang Restaurant.
- 7th Heaven Cafe.
- Little Chef’s Kitchenette.
- Bistro 1919
- Ilagan City Plaza is a public park situated in the center of the city, featuring a playground, an outdoor gym, and picnic areas.
- Fuyot Springs National Park is a natural park that boasts hot springs and cold springs that offer therapeutic benefits and relaxation.
- Aglipay Caves and Campsite is a famous destination for spelunking enthusiasts, showcasing underground caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Ilagan Sanctuary is an eco-tourism spot that provides hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and camping sites.
- Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park is a protected area located in the eastern part of the province that offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of nature.
- Magat Dam Recreation Area is an artificial lake found on the boundary of Isabela province where tourists can enjoy boating activities like kayaking or jet skiing.
- Villa Diana Waterfall Resort – A resort located at Barangay San Antonio with swimming pools (for adults & children), rentable picnic huts/cottages , restaurant , rooms for overnight stay , basketball court & zipline
- Bonsai Forest – Found at Barangay San Felipe which takes approximately 30 minutes from Ilagan City proper . This tourist attraction highlights miniature trees grown in pots forming into various shapes .
- Sta Victoria Caves – Situated at Sta Victoria , Ilagan City . It consists of 12 caves including Pinagapugan Cave where historical artifacts were discovered .
- Tumauini Church – A UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Tumauini which takes about 20-30 minutes away from Ilagan City proper . The church was created during Spanish Era showcasing baroque architecture design made up of bricks & corals stones .
